The 2025 Mental Health KC Conference is proud to welcome two dynamic keynote speakers who bring powerful personal stories and deep professional expertise to this year’s conversations on mental health, substance use, and emotional well-being.
Thursday, May 29 – Dr. Stephen Loyd: Leading the Fight Against Addiction
Dr. Stephen Loyd is no stranger to the front lines of the opioid epidemic. As an Internal Medicine/Addiction Medicine physician and Vice-President of the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners, Dr. Loyd has dedicated his life to improving addiction treatment practices across the nation. His resume includes serving as Tennessee’s first “Opioid Czar,” leading state efforts as Assistant Commissioner for Substance Abuse Services, and playing a key role in shaping chronic pain treatment guidelines.
But what makes Dr. Loyd’s message uniquely powerful is his personal journey. In recovery from opioid and benzodiazepine addiction since 2004, he speaks with a blend of scientific authority and lived experience. He’s served as an expert witness in more than 20 federal and state cases, helping hold providers accountable for improper prescribing, and currently serves as Chief Medical Officer for Cedar Recovery and Chair of the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council.
His keynote promises to be both candid and compelling—an unflinching look at addiction, recovery, and the systems that must change to support healing.
Friday, May 30 – Dr. Ashley Smith: Rethinking Happiness in “Unseen Joy”
We all want to be happy—but most of us are looking in the wrong places. In her keynote Unseen Joy: Finding Happiness Despite Circumstances, clinical psychologist Dr. Ashley Smith dives deep into the myths that keep us stuck in the pursuit of happiness, and shares what it truly takes to find joy—even in life’s most difficult moments.
Drawing from personal experiences, including her own journey of vision loss, Dr. Smith blends psychology, neuroscience, and real-world wisdom into a powerful, relatable message. Attendees will leave with science-backed strategies to shift their mindset, stop chasing happiness, and start building it from within.
As co-founder of Peak Mind: The Center for Psychological Strength, Dr. Smith is passionate about helping people master their minds and live boldly. Her work centers on empowering individuals to break free from limiting beliefs and take ownership of their emotional well-being.
This keynote isn’t just motivational—it’s transformative.
Join Us: Mental Health KC Conference
Whether you work in mental health, are navigating recovery, or simply want to better understand the human mind, the Mental Health KC Conference offers insight, inspiration, and practical tools. These keynotes set the stage for two days of learning, connection, and community action.
In addition to the keynotes, conference attendees will choose from 70 breakout sessions on topics including trauma-informed care, resilience, suicide prevention, substance abuse, lived experience/peer support, neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, workplace mental health, youth mental health, and leadership
